Revised Drummer Boy of Shiloh

Drummer Boy of Shiloh

Reading Response-Henry Kiem, 812

In “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury, the main character, a 14-year-old run away boy soldier named Joby is trying to find his purpose in the great civil war. The northern troops are settled at a small church called Shiloh. They are awaiting the confederate army. I really think that this tension and waiting has a huge affect on Joby’s emotions. This is displayed through his conversation with the General who helps motivate Joby and explain his duty in the army.

     One way the General helps motivate Joby is by helping him find what his duty is to the army. One point in which he does this is on pg. 53 when he tells Joby: "‘you are the heart of the army. Think about that. You are the heart of the army.’" This shows Joby what his real job is in the army and gives him a deeper purpose. This especially helps influence Joby because of the General's role in the army. He is such an important figure and to be speaking directly to the drummer boy could really impose such ideas. This helped Joby see how important he is, which makes him much more confident for the following days.

     One reason why I think Joby listens to the general is because he looks up to him. I think this is because he describes him as a father figure. Generally, father figures can be very influential on young boys ideas. One quote from the text that supports this is on page 51. "The man's knees cracked as he bent still closer. He smelled as all fathers should smell, of salt-sweat, tobacco, horse and boot leather, and the earth he walked upon."  This shows that Joby thinks of the General as a father figure. Another example from the text is on pg. 52. "'You want to cry some more, go ahead. I did the same last night.’” This shows the General as a father figure because he is trying to support Joby.

     Overall, I thought that there were many reasons why Joby and the General have such an elaborate relationship. Even though, throughout the story the General is cheering up Joby and making him feel more important and giving him a purpose, I think that the boy, Joby really taught a lot to the general. Like the General said, Joby is the heart of the army and it would be valuable for any General to understand his army better. Joby taught him in a brief conversation what the entire Army feels. I definitely thought this story had a lot of interesting points that could be elaborated on and I would recommend it to any reader.